Todays readings.. Job 3&4, Jonah 4, Hebrews 10
“YOU HAVE NEED OF …”
Is there anyone who thinks they do not need anything? With Christmas in 3 weeks’ time, the younger ones’ especially will think of the things they need and that it would be good to get!
Our readings today in Hebrews say, “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” [10 v.36] Endurance!
We live in a world, at least in this country, that is very impatient. It is said, this is the ‘NOW’ generation. Until recently it was easy (and still is to some extent) to get what you want ‘NOW’ – and pay later. The folly of this attitude has become apparent in the problems some experience..
But the Letter to Hebrews also tells us, “do not throw away your confidence which has great reward” [v.35]. You throw or give away the things you do not need! But confidence!? If we have that – that is confidence in God’s oversight in all that has happened – and confidence in the future of which he also has oversight and can intervene as he chooses.
We saw lessons on this in our readings in Job and Jonah, both men had, at least temporarily, lost sight of the will of God in their lives: but if we have committed ourselves to be children of God and live for him in faith – we will keep seeking to see more clearly that God is in overall control, and then we will realize more of His purpose in the things he allows (or causes) to happen in the world and in our lives.
Look at how our Hebrews chapter ends; “my righteous one shall (aim to) live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him (or her). But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” [v.38-39]
This reminds us of the words of Jesus himself, “the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” [Matt. 24 v.13-14] It seems to be at last true that all nations have had the chance to hear the gospel, and we all have need of endurance – until the end – in this godless world, and how soon now?.